21 Filling Salads That Make Complete Meals

These hearty salad recipes transform simple greens into satisfying main dishes that fill you up. Each one combines fresh vegetables with protein and bold flavors.

From grilled chicken to quinoa bowls, these recipes prove salads can be both nutritious and filling for any meal.

01. Summer Zucchini and Artichoke Bowl

This version uses fresh zucchini, artichoke hearts, and grilled chicken with garlic and herbs. The vegetables can be served warm or chilled.

Sautéing the zucchini and chicken separately keeps each ingredient perfectly cooked. Fresh garlic adds bold flavor throughout.

This method works great for meal prep since it tastes good hot or cold. Perfect for using summer zucchini from the garden.

02. Seasonal Fruit and Grilled Chicken Bowl

This approach uses fresh berries in summer and orange segments in winter with grilled chicken. The fruit adds natural sweetness and bright colors.

The composed presentation makes this salad look restaurant-quality on your table. Each ingredient gets its own space to shine.

You can adapt this recipe to whatever fruit is in season. Great for impressing guests with beautiful presentation.

03. Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowl

This vegetarian version combines roasted sweet potatoes with fluffy quinoa and fresh herbs. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and hearty texture.

Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their caramelized edges and soft centers. The quinoa provides complete protein for vegetarians.

This method takes about 45 minutes but creates a filling plant-based meal. Perfect for meal prep since it keeps well.

04. Chicken and Broccoli Salad Bowl

This version uses leftover grilled chicken with fresh broccoli and tangy mayo dressing. The creamy dressing balances the crisp vegetables perfectly.

Using leftover chicken makes this recipe super quick and budget-friendly. The broccoli stays crunchy when mixed just before serving.

You can have this ready in 15 minutes with ingredients you probably have. Great for using up weekend grilled chicken.

05. Southwest Chopped Salad with Green Salsa

This spicy version combines chopped vegetables with jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, and homemade salsa verde. You can adjust the heat level easily.

The salsa verde makes enough for dipping chips later as a bonus. Chopping everything small creates the perfect bite every time.

This approach works great for summer entertaining since it’s naturally low-fat. Crushed tortilla chips add extra crunch on top.

06. Asian Chicken and Noodle Salad

This version uses Asian noodles with chicken, mixed greens, and plenty of seeds and nuts. The combination creates interesting textures in every bite.

The nuts and seeds add healthy fats and satisfying crunch throughout. Fresh vegetables keep everything light and colorful.

This method is surprisingly easy to prepare despite looking complex. Perfect for potluck dinners since it travels well.

07. Grilled Shrimp Summer Salad

This version features sweet grilled shrimp with cilantro vinaigrette and fresh summer vegetables. The shrimp get smoky flavor from the grill.

The cilantro vinaigrette adds bright, herbaceous notes that complement the seafood perfectly. Grilling keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful.

This approach works great for summer entertaining with crusty bread and wine. Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

08. Simple Avocado and Shrimp Salad

This version uses cooked shrimp with ripe avocado, tomatoes, and sweet onions. Fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors naturally.

The lime juice prevents the avocado from browning while adding citrus zing. Simple ingredients let each flavor shine through clearly.

You can have this ready in 10 minutes on hot days. Perfect for light lunches when you want something refreshing.

09. Roasted Vegetable Bowl with White Beans

This version combines roasted seasonal vegetables with white beans and garlic-balsamic dressing. The beans add protein and creamy texture.

Roasting the vegetables concentrates their flavors and creates caramelized edges. The balsamic dressing ties everything together with tangy sweetness.

This method makes a very large portion that’s perfect for meal prep. Easy cleanup since everything roasts on one pan.

10. Warm Steak and Potato Salad

This version uses grilled steak with boiled potatoes over mixed baby greens and cherry tomatoes. The warm ingredients wilt the greens slightly.

A homemade vinaigrette brings all the flavors together without overpowering the steak. Serving it warm makes this feel like comfort food.

This approach works great for using leftover steak from dinner. Takes more effort but creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.

11. Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken

This version uses Japanese buckwheat noodles with chicken and sesame flavors. The nutty soba noodles add interesting texture and flavor.

Most supermarkets carry soba noodles in the Asian food section now. The sesame dressing adds rich, toasted flavors throughout.

This method is both quick and healthy for lunch or dinner. Perfect for trying something different with familiar ingredients.

12. Easy Turkey Taco Salad Bowl

This version uses seasoned ground turkey with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and tortilla chips. Cheddar cheese makes a great finishing touch.

Using ground turkey instead of beef makes this lighter but still satisfying. The tortilla chips add crunch and authentic taco flavors.

This approach is simple enough for busy weeknights with kids. You can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

13. Chicken, Avocado, and Mango Bowl

This colorful version combines chicken with ripe mango and avocado in spicy lime dressing. The tropical fruits add natural sweetness and vibrant colors.

The lime dressing has just enough heat to balance the sweet mango. Fresh ingredients make this taste like a vacation meal.

This method works great for summer dinners when you want something light. The combination of flavors is surprisingly addictive.

14. Chicken Fiesta Salad Bowl

This version uses grilled chicken with seasoned black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables. Homemade fajita seasoning adds authentic Mexican flavors.

Grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying keeps it healthier and adds smoky flavor. The black beans and corn provide fiber and substance.

You can have this quick and easy meal ready in 20 minutes. Great for busy families who want something healthy and filling.

15. Strawberry-Mango Grilled Chicken Bowl

This version combines arugula with strawberries, mango, and grilled chicken for summer flavors. The peppery arugula balances the sweet fruit perfectly.

Using mild oil in the dressing lets the fruit flavors shine through. You can arrange this on a platter or in individual bowls.

This approach is perfect for light dinners when you don’t want to heat the house. Takes about 25 minutes total.

16. Grilled Chicken, Peach, and Arugula Bowl

This version features grilled chicken with sweet peaches and peppery arugula greens. The contrasting flavors create perfect balance in every bite.

The sweet and tangy peaches complement the peppery arugula beautifully. Grilling the chicken adds smoky depth to the fresh ingredients.

This method showcases summer peaches at their peak ripeness. Great for using seasonal fruit when it’s perfectly ripe.

17. Caribbean Chicken Salad Bowl

This version uses teriyaki chicken strips with pineapple chunks and spicy tomato-jalapeño salsa. Honey-mustard vinaigrette adds tangy sweetness throughout.

The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy salsa creates tropical island flavors. The teriyaki chicken adds savory depth to the fruit.

This approach makes a surprisingly satisfying dinner despite being light. Perfect for when you want to feel like you’re on vacation.

18. Cucumber Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

This version uses cool cucumbers with chilled chicken and spicy peanut sauce. You can adjust the heat level by changing the sambal amount.

The peanut dressing adds rich, nutty flavors with customizable spice levels. Cool cucumbers make this perfect for hot summer days.

This method keeps you cool when it’s too hot to cook. Great for meal prep since the flavors get better overnight.

19. Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad Bowl

This version combines quinoa with lime juice, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and garbanzo beans. Fresh cilantro and avocado finish it perfectly.

The simple lime and olive oil dressing keeps the fresh flavors bright. Cotija cheese adds creamy, salty notes that tie everything together.

This approach tastes incredibly fresh despite using some canned ingredients. You might find yourself eating the whole bowl alone.

20. Classic Salad Niçoise

This French-inspired version uses traditional ingredients like tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. You can add seasonal vegetables like corn or asparagus.

The composed presentation shows off each ingredient individually on the plate. Traditional French techniques create an elegant summer dish.

This method makes a delightful warm-weather meal that feels sophisticated. Perfect for entertaining when you want something special but not heavy.

21. Thai Beef Salad Bowl

This version uses marinated seared beef over crisp lettuce and cucumbers with Thai flavors. The fresh herbs add authentic Southeast Asian taste.

Marinating the beef before searing creates tender, flavorful meat every time. Fresh Thai herbs and lime make this taste restaurant-quality.

This approach is surprisingly easy despite the complex flavors. So good you might find yourself making it two days in a row.

Final Thoughts

These hearty salad recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction or flavor. Each one combines fresh ingredients with protein for complete meals.

Whether you prefer Asian flavors, Mexican spices, or classic combinations, there’s a filling salad here for every taste preference.